Nanny Personality Types

The idea of a one-nanny-fits-all-families solution is not one Tammy’s team subscribes to; they know that to find a great nanny match you need to understand the Nannology basics: Nanny Personality Type, Job Type and Location.

Nanny Personality Types

The Parental Unit Nanny

Households with two fulltime working parents will do well with a Parental Unit Nanny. These nannies take over the daily mom-and-dad tasks and allow parents to have a seamless transition back into the family when their days are complete. Parental Unit Nannies arrange playdates, grocery shop, and attend children’s doctor’s appointments. They pack lunches, drive to soccer practice, and help with homework. Our team can find your family the best Parental Unit Nanny.

The Partner Nanny

When Mom needs a second pair of hands, she calls on the Partner Nanny. Working in conjunction with the mother (or the family’s primary caregiver), The Partner Nanny is present both when parents are home and when they are out. Partner Nannies may drive kids to school, run errands for Mom, or get dinner started. The ideal Partner Nanny will alternate between two roles: ‘the boss’ and ‘the helper.’ A highly adaptable and vigilant personality is ideal for a Partner Nanny.

The Executor Nanny

Simply put, The Executor Nanny gets the job done. He/she follows directions and performs tasks as per the parent’s instructions. Some Executor Nannies primarily help around the house and prepare the family’s meals. Others engage more as the extra set of hands for one, two, or three newborns. The Executor Nanny follows instructions well, is efficient, and seamlessly integrates into the family.

Nanny Job Types

Live-In Nanny

Personality plays a big role in the success of a live- in nanny. Live-in nannies can stay 5 days with a family (and return home on off days) or live in full-time. It’s critical that both the nanny and family match in personality style. A live-in situation will not work if either party feels uncomfortable; nannies may feel stuck ‘living at work’ or families may feel that their privacy is compromised by having another person live with them. These are valid concerns that must be communicated. Clear communication from the family about house rules and a flexible personality from the nanny are required for a smooth and happy live-in experience.

Live-Out Nanny

Reliability is the key to a live-out nanny’s success. It is especially critical that nannies in live-out situations have proven themselves to be experienced and reliable. Working parents count on nannies to allow them a seamless home-to-work transition. Some challenges for nannies may come in the form of long commutes, transit problems, and weather difficulties. Having a punctual nanny who plans ahead, along with an organized family that clearly lays out their schedule will yield the most successful live-out match.

What if I want a live-out nanny who can live in when needed?

Oftentimes we hear families say, “We need a nanny who doesn’t live with us full-time, but can stay over sometimes.” In order for this to work, goals must be clearly outlined from the get-go. It is critical that families find a candidate with the ability to drop everything at a moment’s notice and be on-call. The best candidates in these situations are flexible (short commutes, no young children of their own, no prior work/school obligations) and clear on what is expected of them. If this is the case, a half-and-half nanny will work perfectly.

Job Location

Tammy's team knows that even job location affects the type of nanny you need.

Nanny in the city!

A successful urban nanny requires a different set of skills than one from the ‘burbs. Great urban nannies know how to navigate the bustling NYC streets with kids in tow. They understand train, bus, and subway schedules. They have a grasp on the craziness of NYC traffic, and can easily handle crowded and expansive parks. While we always appreciate great education and proper schooling, an urban nanny also has to be savvy and have street smarts in her repertoire.

Sub-Urban Nanny

A nanny in the suburbs requires a different set of skills than that of an urban one. If a suburban nanny does not hold a driver’s license, and is home all day with the children, the nanny must be able to create educational and play experiences within the home. More often than not a driver’s license is a must. If the family needs their nanny to drive, a whole additional set of skills is required. Handling car seats, triple-checking seatbelts, and orchestrating potentially noisy carpools can be difficult. It is therefore essential that the nanny operate with a safety-first mentality. In instances where the nanny will be driving, it is recommended that parents perform motor vehicle checks as part of the background checking process.

Everything about your nanny - her demeanor, her physicality, and whether or not she will actively teach and engage your child - has a direct impact on your child’s social, emotional, and intellectual development.